I’ve had my eye on Emily’s book for some time now and when I saw that her blog book tour was kicking off, I really wanted to be a part of it. Hexagons have been en vogue for some time now, and personally, I’m fascinated with all the great quilts that can be made from one shape. Hexagons are so versatile, incredibly fun, and really create dynamic, beautiful quilts.
I’ve made one hexagon quilt (you can see it in the header image on my home page). I wish I could say I’ve made more, and will fess up to the fact that the only other EPP quilt I started to make (ahem) 8 years ago is still an unassembled mess of little hexagon shapes sitting in a box. I will get back to it, but I digress.
There are so many things that I like about this book. Emily includes instructions to machine piece AND English Paper Piece each quilt in her book so quilters have great versatility depending on comfort level, which method they prefer, etc. You can even mix methods if you are feeling wild! I like to machine piece, which explains the unfinished adventure in EPP from 8 years ago, but many of her tips and ideas work for BOTH methods, so you either way you win.
Confetti in Times Square (above) and Superstar (below) are my favorites! I love the elegant simplicity of Confetti in Times Square and in Superstar, I see something new every time I look at the quilt.
Right off the bat, I was learning things, like the difference between a rosette and a sprocket (page 4). I didn’t even know there were names for differently pieced hexagon shapes. And I like that there are quilt shapes called sprockets. I smile when I say sprocket. Emily offers some great tips about measuring hexagons, kites, triangles, and other shapes, but my favorite tips show you how to string EPP pieces together, tie knots (much better method what I’ve done in the past), and how to cut shapes using strip piecing. It’s absolutely brilliant!
I also like how Emily discusses pressing the hexagon units. I use the same method, more or less based on the fabrics, and furling my pieces, but her rule of thumb is going to stick in my head for eternity. And that’s a good thing. It’ll stick in your head as well.
If you’ve been wanting to try your hand at making a hexagon quilt, this book is for you! If you comment on my blog you will have TWO chances to win. I will randomly pick 2 winners using random.org. One of you will get a copy of Emily’s book, and the other will get a copy of my book (continental US, only).
Be sure to check out all the blogs on the tour below. They each have some great giveaways!
July 24- C&T Publishing www.ctpub.com
July 25- Generation Q Magazine http://generationqmagazine.com/
July 27- Marti Michell https://www.frommarti.com/
July 28-Clothworks Fabrics www.clothworks.com
July 29- Cathi Godwin, https://quiltobsession.blog/
July 30- Paper Pieces , www.paperpieces.com
August 1- Mary Huey, http://maryhueyquilts.blogspot.com/
August 2- Linda Franz, www.inklingo.com
August 3- Patty Murphy, https://pattymurphyhandmade.com (you’re here)
August 4- Cheryl Sleboda, www.Muppin.com
August 5- Wendy Sheppard, https://ivoryspring.wordpress.com/
August 6- Emily Breclaw, www.thecaffeinatedquilter.com
*C&T will send a hard copy to winners in the continental US and will send an electronic version to winners overseas.